EAST SIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT
MATCHES AND LIGHTERS
Fires, burns, and property damage associated with children playing with
matches are common events in the United States
and a number of programs and procedures have been developed to try to
control this problem. In the past few years, a new source of ignition
has become very common - the cigarette lighter.
With the increase in the use of lighters rather than matches, there
follows an increase in lighter related fires and burns especially
associated with misuse by children. There also seems to be an alteration
in the age distribution. Lighters are easier to ignite
than matches, in many cases, so younger children more frequently are
involved in lighter associated fires and burns. Several reports now have
implicated children as young as 18-20 months old.
Children have a natural curiosity about fire. It has a magical appeal,
which captures their attention. They see adults start
the barbecue or light a cigarette. Since they mimic adults in many ways,
they want to mimic fire starting behavior as well.
Children's curiosity about fire should not be discouraged, but channeled
into appropriate behavior.
Children are at high risk for burn injuries largely due to their own
experimentation with matches and fire. Since children
have difficulty appreciating the use of matches as a tool, they most
often will misuse them. Children need to understand
that big fires start small. They need to distinguish between appropriate
and inappropriate use of matches and lighters. They also need to
understand the risks and dangers associated with their use.
Young children should not handle matches and lighters and they should be
taught that they should "tell an adult" when they
find matches or lighters in their environment. They should be taught to
"leave matches and lighters where they find them"
and "get an adult to come back and pick them up." This avoids the
problem of a child handling matches or a lighter and possibly attempting
to ignite either.
Children can easily identify tools in the home or workplace. They
understand that a tool can be used a right way and a
wrong way. A hammer is used to drive nails into wood, and a saw is used
to cut lumber, etc.
A match is also a tool. It can be used the right way, or a wrong way.
Using a match to light a barbecue, start a fire in the
fireplace, or ignite the pilot light on the water heater, are proper
ways to use a match.
Be sure the child knows that matches and lighters are tools, not toys.
There are toys that look like lighters. These toys
should not be given to children. Adults have been known to give a
lighter that no longer works to children to play with.
This should not happen since the child doesn't know the difference
between a lighter that does work and one that doesn't.
Children playing with matches or lighters due to curiosity, carelessness
or anger have caused many fires. Telling a
child "Don't play with matches" may not have the desired effect. In fact
it may encourage the opposite. In some cases,
children may exhibit more than just a simple interest in fire and may
frequently discuss or experiment with it. Sometimes
when a child has a problem with starting fires or playing with fire, the
child is responding to problems in the home, at
school, or with peers. Fire setting problems can be prevented if
identified early and the child is provided with professional
counseling. If you discover burnt matches or paper, or believe a child
has been playing with lighters or setting fires, call the Fire
Prevention Officer, Bob Gateley, at (225) 272-7779.
For fire prevention advice, you may set up an appointment with
yourself, the child, and Captain Gateley. Captain Gateley is great
with kids and regularly presents fire prevention and safety
topics at area schools and day care facilities.
Here are safety rules that adults should be aware of
concerning matches and lighters.
Buy matchbooks that have a striking surface on the back cover.
Close the cover of the matchbook or box before striking the
match.
Strike a match away from the direction of the body.
When striking a match, hold it an arm's length away.
Only use matches or lighters when nothing else is distracting
you.
Remember matches and lighters are very dangerous around flammable
liquids such as gasoline, etc.
A wastebasket is not an ashtray.
Throw a match away only after the flame is
extinguished and cool to the touch.
Check your lighter regularly for cracks, leaks, and other
defects.
If lighter fluid is spilled on or near the lighter, it should be
cleaned off completely before lighting the flame.
Persons with restricted mobility or reflexes and elderly persons
must use extra caution with lighters and matches.